Top Part time Master's Programs in Visual Arts 2017 in North America

A Masters degree is an academic degree awarded to individuals who successfully denote a higher level of expertise. There are two main types of Masters - taught and research.

Visual arts courses often cover skills in aesthetic arts. However, there are many applied art forms included in visual arts courses. These programs can cover graphic design, fashion design, decorative art and industrial design. These can help students prepare for a position in a particular field.

Spanning 23 countries, North America is continent filled with educational opportunity. Students have the opportunity to learn multiple languages and develop an understanding of vastly different cultures.

North America

Location

Study type

Study type

Part time

Pace

Brooks Institute

CampusSeptember 2017USAVentura

The Master of Fine Arts in Photography degree at Brooks Institute is designed to prepare students to make an important contribution to the expanding role of the visual experience in contemporary life. The program explores image-making as a cultural force as well as a mode of personal expression.
[+]

Best Part time Master's Degrees in Visual Arts in North America.
The Master of Fine Arts in Photography degree at Brooks Institute is designed to prepare students to make an important contribution to the expanding role of the visual experience in contemporary life. The program explores image-making as a cultural force as well as a mode of personal expression. Students who pursue a Master’s degree in Photography can grow intellectually and creatively through the lively exchange of ideas from diverse sources and wide-ranging perspectives, combining aesthetic exploration in all forms of lens-based and light-based media with academic inquiry through research.
The Master of Fine Arts in Photography offers a rigorous program of study for students eager to explore ideas and technologies in various approaches to creating images that express their personal vision. Working with instructors who are experienced professionals, students can learn to deepen their conceptual communication, expand their artistic comprehension, and articulate a coherent and compelling statement about their work. The 61-credit program includes coursework in art history and criticism; the history, science and psychology of image-making; and communication, business, and education, enabling graduates to pursue a wide range of career options, including teaching at the college level.
Core Courses
Brooks Institute’s MFA in Photography consists of a two-year series of studio and seminar courses that emphasize creative growth and development of a visual vocabulary. Other courses engage the student in theoretical, psychological and aesthetic exploration of artistic expression.
Core courses include:
History of Art: Renaissance to 1900
History of Art: 1900 to Present
Photographic Theory
The Psychology of Images
Methods in Imaging Education
History of Photography
Optics in Fine Arts
Interdisciplinary Aspects of Communication
Contemporary Criticism
Contemporary Imaging Systems
Entrepreneurial Skills for Fine Artists
Elective Options
In addition to core courses, the MFA in Photography curriculum at Brooks Institute includes a selection of focused, relevant elective courses. Among these elective course options are*:
Teaching Internships: Students work with a teacher/mentor to gain classroom and educational experience.
Grant Writing: Research and develop proposals for grants, residencies and fellowships.
Self-proposed internships and special topics.
Program Objectives
The MFA in Photography from Brooks Institute provides a comprehensive program of study designed to develop exceptional artists who seek to deepen their understanding and awareness of visual communication. Graduating students should be equipped to:
Create a cohesive body of original work integrating a mastery of materials, methods, and concepts.
Articulate an informed perspective that includes defining an aesthetic approach, reviewing methods and processes, and providing a broader cultural context in which to understand a body of work.
Synthesize knowledge obtained through various research activities exhibiting a standard of academic integrity and a graduate level of critical analysis.
Engage in creative collaboration as an effective member of a team.
[-]

Maharishi University Of Management

Campus2 September 2017USAFairfield

MUM’s two-year, low-residency MFA track in Screenwriting offers the unique opportunity to learn the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique while acquiring all the knowledge you need to become a professional screenwriter.
[+]

What makes a great storyteller? Where do good ideas come from? It’s time to approach screenwriting with consciousness.
MUM’s two-year, low-residency MFA track in Screenwriting offers the unique opportunity to learn the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique while acquiring all the knowledge you need to become a professional screenwriter. The practice of TM will help you access the deeper levels of creativity required to imagine profound and meaningful stories, discovering how – as David Lynch says – to “catch the big fish.”
Students in our unique low-residency MFA program in Screenwriting learn how the practice of Transcendental Meditation can help them craft profound and meaningful stories. Over the course of two years – four semesters online plus five intensive nine-day residencies (four held in beautiful Fairfield, Iowa, and one in Los Angeles) – students gain the skills and contacts they need to succeed as professional screenwriters while also discovering how to use TM to dive deeper into the creative process.
The DLMFA in Screenwriting is pleased to announce that acclaimed screenwriter, producer and director Peter Farrelly will be joining our team as a program advisor and featured guest speaker. Known for such hits as Dumb & Dumber, There’s Something About Mary and Shallow Hal, he will provide invaluable insight into the writing process and the business of film. Peter enjoys the personal benefits and enhanced creativity of TM practice.
[-]

Maharishi University Of Management

Students in our unique low-residency MFA program in Screenwriting learn how the practice of Transcendental Meditation can help them craft profound and meaningful stories.
[+]

Best Part time Master's Degrees in Visual Arts in North America. Screenwriting with Consciousness at the David Lynch Graduate School of Cinematic Arts.
Students in our unique low-residency MFA program in Screenwriting learn how the practice of Transcendental Meditation can help them craft profound and meaningful stories. Over the course of two years – four semesters online plus five intensive nine-day residencies (four held in beautiful Fairfield, Iowa, and one in Los Angeles) – students gain the skills and contacts they need to succeed as professional screenwriters while also discovering how to use TM to dive deeper into the creative process.
The DLMFA in Screenwriting is pleased to announce that acclaimed screenwriter, producer and director Peter Farrelly will be joining our team as a program advisor and featured guest speaker. Known for such hits as Dumb & Dumber, There’s Something About Mary and Shallow Hal, he will provide invaluable insight into the writing process and the business of film. Peter enjoys the personal benefits and enhanced creativity of TM practice.
[-]

Think Tank Training Centre

Campus1 October 2017CanadaVancouver

The Computer Animation, Visual Effects and Game Design Program at Think Tank Training Centre is an intensive one-year program that specializes in the latest software, techniques and technologies to cater to the needs of the current film, television and gaming industries.
[+]

The Computer Animation, Visual Effects and Game Design program at Think Tank Training Centre in North Vancouver, Canada is an intensive one-year course that specializes in the latest software, techniques and technologies, and caters to the needs of the film, television and gaming industries. It consists of respected industry professionals as instructors teaching a current curriculum, a mentorship program, and small class sizes with extensive hands-on training. The program is divided into three 15 week semesters, with course integration to allow assignments to overlap and support one another. A diploma in Computer Animation, Visual Effects and Game Design will be awarded upon successful completion of the program requirements and demo reel.
Student Testimonials
“Think Tank is a special school. I was hired by Bioware after they saw my demo reel, and I ended up beating out a few other senior guys for the position." Shawn Kassian, Bioware (Environment Artist)
“Being a student at Think Tank made me feel like I was in an exclusive school for artists seeking to achieve the highest of standards in CG creation.” Adar Bronstein, ICON Creative Studio (Senior 3D Modeling & Texturing Artist)
“It was really more of a family than a school. Great, supportive people who were always there to help out if I was having trouble with anything, and were also dedicated to seeing me succeed.” Liam Jones, MPC (Technical Animator)
“The school not only cared about my success, but also did everything in their power to make sure I had the tools and skills required to succeed in the industry.” Tanner Roberts, EA Popcap (Environment Artist)
“Think Tank surpassed my expectations of what I thought a good VFX school would be. Not only do they provide the academic foundations and resources for artists to learn and grow, Scott and Joe make it their priority to ensure a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment for students to work in.” Emily Luk, Image Engine (Junior Texture Artist)
The 12 Month Diploma Program: Course Outline
SEMESTER 1
3D Animation
This course begins with a brief history of animation, and then exploration into the different methods of key-frame animating: keying pose to pose, straight ahead, path animation and how to edit the animation using the f-curve editor. Students will also explore simple walks and runs for biped and quadruped characters.
3D Modeling
Modeling 100 will introduce the concepts and processes of creating three dimensional objects within a virtual environment. You will learn all aspects of polygon modeling and create a variety of objects, including environments and sets, vehicles and organic characters. Introduction to Brush based modeling using Mudbox will also be covered during the latter half of the course.
Classsical & Flash Animation Students develop drawing skills while learning the principles of squash and stretch, follow-through and overlapping action, anticipation, timing, key frames and in-between-ing. Lessons in character animation and storyboarding explore the elements necessary to bring an animation to life. This course builds a foundation for 3D classes to follow.
Digital Imaging 100
This module provides an in-depth exploration of Adobe Photoshop, the industry standard for digital imaging. Students work on the basics of image editing, color correction, color management, preparing files for print and exporting images. Once the basics are covered, students will then begin to use these tools to texture a variety of objects, thus preparing them for more advanced 3D texturing software and a real-world production environment.
Maya 100
Students will be introduced to Autodesk Maya, an advanced 3D animation and content creation software package, with the focus on 3D principles and workflow. Everything from materials, UVs, shaders, rigging, overrides and passes is covered in detail and brings many different industry components together.
Texturing 100
The introduction to the world of texturing. Tools such as Photoshop, NDO and Marmoset will be used to provide real-time feedback when texturing props, environments and characters.
SEMESTER 2
3D Animation 200
From simple mechanical animations the students will now focus on the basics of character animation. Bringing a synthetic character to life is the goal. Using Maya, students will study acting to dialogue, facial animation, timing, editing animations with F-curves, and all the principles that make a great animation. Using Forward and Inverse Kinematics to pose and animate characters, students will tackle a variety of situations that they will face in the real world of production as a character animator. Students will also learn the significant impact rigging plays in successful animation, and what factors make a good or bad character rig. Video rotoscoping will be used as a visual aid to the animator.
3D Modeling 200
In this second and more advanced module, students will build upon their skills founded in Modeling 100. Attention to detail will be key as students learn to build an “animation- proficient” character with proper topology. Additional techniques will be introduced to add realistic detail to models and speed up modeling times. Efficient, yet impressive, sets and props will be incorporated with other production pipeline classes to achieve a realistic look. This class also includes learning supplementary tools and software to support a variety of modeling and creation pipelines.
Acting For Animation 200
This course introduces the fundamental principles of acting for the purpose of creating animation. The exercises will teach how to perform actions differently for various characters and personalities: how to properly do anticipations and reactions for each action, how to do verbal and non-verbal acting, acting between two characters, increasing imagination and creativity and how to act with body language first and facial acting second.
Advanced Lighting 200
This course focuses on lighting and shading in a way that will enable artists to better understand how to use any rendering application. Using Maya/Vray, students will have their minds blown when they learn how limited their perception of materials, light and shadow has been all of their lives. When they apply this new understanding to lighting and shading in CG, they will find themselves ahead of the pack in any software. The second half of this course is designed to get students up to speed with the 3D painting package from The Foundry. Emphases are on the integration of Mari into the student’s demo reel workflow and the development of photo-realistic textures.
Advanced Texturing 200
This course is an exploration of texture painting for VFX. Students will learn the ins-and-outs of the latest 3D painting packages, and utilize the programs to create photo-realistic textures using a combination of photo projections and hand painting techniques. The course will take an in-depth look at a variety of materials and surfaces such as metals, skin, glass and wet surfaces and how to use a combination of texturing and shading in V-ray for Maya to replicate these materials. Students in this course will take their models to the next level, and will be able to integrate them into live action footage and games seamlessly!
Compositing & Visual Effects 200
Students are introduced to the world of the visual effects artist, and the skills and techniques that are used in the field. We discuss how effects are created and how they are integrated into live-action and CG plates. Our goal is to give the students a good understanding of how movie magic is achieved. Particles, mattes, color keying, camera tracking, stabilization and using simple yet effective effects such as glows, flares, depth of field and color correction to achieve a photo-real look will be covered. This course is essential to the understanding of various methods of compositing in order to achieve esthetically beautiful and believable imagery.
Digital Sculpting 200
The purpose of Digital Sculpting 200 is to teach the necessary tools to be able to function effectively in a professional working pipeline. This course introduces the techniques and possibilities that Zbrush provides. Students will develop strong fundamentals of pose / proportion, and learn all the necessary techniques to effectively finish sculpting a model and prepare it for pipeline production. Students will also be taught how to work between Zbrush and other major 3D applications, such as Mudbox, for superior results.
Game Design 200
Students learn how to work with art assets in the CryEngine game engine and apply this to a class project. While working on this, students get to focus on what they want to pursue as a career. Topics covered include normal map generation and painting, advanced UV techniques, importing geometry, collision meshes, animation systems and more. Students will feel more than comfortable within the CryEngine, have the knowledge to adapt to any realtime/game work environment and know how to keep their digital assets efficient and of high quality.
Maya 200
In Maya 200, you will learn the basics of modeling, lighting, texturing and animating a scene using Maya. Students gain an understanding of the interface and workflow of Maya and how to interpret tools and principals learned in Softimage to this alternate platform. The emphasis is placed on the technical aspects of Maya with rigging being a major focus.
Mentored Lab 200
During a monitored lab you will be reviewing your progress on current running projects assigned in various classes throughout the week. Each class is structured to provide individual coaching in order to ensure goals and timelines are met on all assignments. A senior academic advisor or a TA is made available to coach, critique and troubleshoot as needed if any problems that arise. This ensures each student gets the necessary help needed in between their classes.
Production Pipeline 200
Production 200 allows students the time needed to develop and deploy their final demo reel concepts. The class will also focus on developing the relationship the student will need to get started in the industry after graduation. Outings to mainstream studios in Vancouver and visits from top industry professionals will serve to inspire and guide students to create viable demo reels that will get them hired by the employer of their choice.
Traditional Sculpting 200
Our sculpture class is a chance for students to get their hands dirty. Taught by Gideon Hay, an industry veteran for sculpts, maquettes, and props in Vancouver, this class will introduce the basics of building character maquettes, armatures and the use of scalpel as a modelling tool. Anatomy, texture, proportion and character design will be discussed, as well as how they are used in a real production situation. It's also a chance for students to change gears and enjoy making cool art without a computer.
Character Creation 200
In this seven week extended workshop, students will learn how to go from a sculpted model to a production ready and efficient game model. Emphasis will be on workflow and problem solving, so that when students are finished the course they will have a production ready model. Confidence is essential when entering the final demo reel semester, and this course will solidify the student's knowledge base on all things character creation.
SEMESTER 3
Advanced Shading & Rendering 300
Advanced rendering and engines support students in their demo reel semester with regard to rendering and outputting their created content. Students will feel comfortable rendering in VRay and have the knowledge to create complex materials and lighting situations while keeping their renders efficient. Students will also learn how to utilize a render farm for maximum efficiency and pipeline experience.
Career Management 300
Once a student leaves the nest and lands that first job they are faced with a myriad of financial decisions. This course is designed to take the mystery out of topics like:
- Getting your foot in the door of the company of your choice
- Giving a great interview (or 'how to sell yourself')
- Managing your student loan
- RSPs and how they are a benefit
- Mortgages and why they are easier than you think
- How to invest in stocks, GICs and mutual funds and why they make good sense
- Freelancing and/or starting your own company.
Demo Reel Authoring 300
This course is the last step to getting your demo reel into a format that properly showcases your work. Outputting to video, as well as putting together your own online portfolio will be covered. Understanding Interface design, compression, formats, editing and sound engineering will enable students to make a knockout original presentation that sells your skills and talents. Packaging and overall presentation will also be a focus of this course.
Mentoring 300
During third semester, the students will be paired up with a personal mentor who is currently working in the industry. The mentor will coach the student one-on-one through the demo reel process and will provide feedback, advice and critiques. The students will meet with the mentor once a week, and will be given goals and timelines in order to properly structure their very intense final semester.
Monitored Lab
During a monitored lab, you will be reviewing your progress on current projects assigned in various classes throughout the week. Each class is structured to provide individual coaching for each student in order to ensure goals and timelines are met on all assignments. A senior academic advisor or TA is made available to coach, critique and troubleshoot as needed, if any problems that arise. This ensures that each student gets the necessary help needed in between their classes.
Production 300
Production 300 is designed to monitor the progress of the students throughout their final (mentorship) semester. Students are interviewed every two weeks to ensure mentors are effective, time is managed well, and resources are accessed and utilized in an efficient manner. This is a good forum for students to discuss new concepts and technical hurdles.
Student Demo Reels
[-]

California Institute of Integral Studies

Campus2 September 2017USASan Francisco

As artists, writers and performers in the heart of San Francisco, our work is influenced by technological innovation, cultural transformation, and urban redesign. Our curriculum gives students a chance to focus on their own practice in an interdisciplinary setting.
[+]

Best Part time Master's Degrees in Visual Arts in North America. Master of Fine Arts Programs (MFA)
Welcome to the MFA Programs at CIIS!
As artists, writers and performers in the heart of San Francisco, our work is influenced by technological innovation, cultural transformation, and urban redesign. Our curriculum gives students a chance to focus on their own practice in an interdisciplinary setting. In our two year, 48-unit intensives you will complete one or more of the following:
a book-length manuscript or chapbook
an evening-length dance, theatrical, or musical performance
a visual arts exhibition in our street level main gallery
a social justice/community arts project
We offer:
Intimate class sizes
Mentoring with outstanding, committed faculty
A weekend intensive format that is ideal for working adults
Diverse perspectives and transdisciplinary approaches to art-making
Direct and constant access to the rich Bay Area art scene
Art-making can be a pioneering, transformative act that changes-and sometimes revolutionizes-culture. Students in this program become more self-reflective and skillful in their practice. Through intensive and transdisciplinary dialogue, they see their work in a broader artistic, philosophical, and cultural dialogue, and develop innovative, experimental, and meaningful work that challenges personal and cultural narratives and perceptions.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must meet the general admissions requirements of the Institute.
Students must complete their bachelor's degree before beginning the programs; there is no requirement as to the field of study of the undergraduate degree. Students can demonstrate appropriate levels of accomplishment and commitment to their art by means of work samples and personal statements. We welcome students from all backgrounds; however, the Admissions Committee may ask students with limited arts or writing experience to supplement their degrees with some additional CIIS coursework.
The program admits students in the fall (beginning in late August) and spring (beginning in late January) semesters.
[-]

William Paterson University of New Jersey

CampusSeptember 2017USAWayne

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree is designed as the professional degree for the fine artist, designer, and media artist. It is the mission of the program to provide the MFA candidate with a rigorous environment in which to focus on professional goals and artistic excellence. An important aspect of this environment is the creation of a community of peers and mentors all pursuing the enhancement of imagination through the creation and interpretation of meaningful work. Faculty members have substantial professional and educational backgrounds and are dedicated to the highest standards of artistic endeavor.
[+]

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree is designed as the professional degree for the fine artist, designer, and media artist. It is the mission of the program to provide the MFA candidate with a rigorous environment in which to focus on professional goals and artistic excellence. An important aspect of this environment is the creation of a community of peers and mentors all pursuing the enhancement of imagination through the creation and interpretation of meaningful work. Faculty members have substantial professional and educational backgrounds and are dedicated to the highest standards of artistic endeavor.
The MFA is offered as a three-year, full-time program, or as a five-year, part-time degree program for the working professional. Students choose from offerings that include computer art and animation, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and digital sculpture, ceramics, photography, graphic media, and furniture design. Fully equipped studios in all areas provide the resources necessary for the actualization of a wide range of two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and time-based work.
Admission Requirements:
In addition to the University’s admission requirements:
Minimum of 60 credits in studio arts, 12 credits in art history or art criticism, including at least 3 credits in contemporary or twentieth-century art. Those applicants who do not have such experience may be required to take undergraduate courses in these areas before formally beginning the graduate degree. In certain cases where an applicant has a number of years of professional art activity, the committee, based on the qualitative evaluation of the work and the sponsorship of a faculty member, can grant admission.
Cumulative grade point average of no less than 2.75 on 4.00 scale.
Portfolio which demonstrates a level of artistic achievement that implies a developed ability for advanced study in visual art. This portfolio must be submitted directly to the visual arts graduate program director for committee review. The portfolio should consist of a folder of twenty images on a cross-platform CD or DVD. Images must be accompanied by a separate hardcopy list designating title of piece, date, medium, and size (when appropriate).
500-word statement of intent that must discuss aesthetic interests, cite historical and contemporary influences on the work, and indicate career goals.
Resume documenting the chronology of all educational and work experience, including art experience, teaching experience, grants, honors, awards, exhibitions, and publications.
Art Department information form.
Two letters of recommendation
Program Requirements:
60 credits of graduate study
In addition to the completion of the MFA course requirements of 60 credits, each candidate must create and present a thesis project, which is a body of work created specifically for this thesis under the supervision of a thesis advisor and which is not a summary of earlier work. The thesis project is accompanied by a written corollary document. The choice of medium, the balance of written and creative work, and the manner of presentation must have the prior approval of the graduate review committee. The graduate review committee bases the final awarding of the MFA degree on the evaluation and acceptance of the final thesis project, the written corollary, the thesis presentation, and the required documentation of the project. The art department reserves the right to hold student works for the purpose of exhibitions for up to two years.
Structure of the Program
The MFA curriculum is comprised of nine required core courses: two semesters of Graduate Interdisciplinary Forum, two semesters of Studio Practice and Critique I and II, three semesters of Art History and Contemporary Studies (two required, one elective), and culminates with two semesters of the capstone Graduate Thesis I and II. At the heart of the program are the 33 credits of studio electives which are made up of media-specific studio courses, independent studies, and internships that provide study in and development of expertise in specific media.
[-]

The Centre for Digital Media - The CDM

Campus1 September 2017CanadaVancouver

The Master of Digital Media program is an internationally recognized, research informed, and industry relevant professional master
[+]

Best Part time Master's Degrees in Visual Arts in North America. The Master of Digital Media program is an internationally recognized, research informed, and industry relevant professional master's program.
What is common between a weather app on your phone, a racing game on your console and a state-of-the-art imaging tool in a hospital? All of these are digital media products, and to build them requires teams of digital media professionals.
Digital media is content that is stored in digital formats and usually distributed online. The world we live in today is populated by digital media products, and the shift from traditional media has taken place in many industries, including industries that aren’t typically associated with digital media—such as health, government and education.
Digital media products can be found in:
eCommerce
Games – console, online and mobile
Websites and mobile applications
Animation
Social media
Video
Augmented reality
Virtual reality
Data visualization
Location-based services
Interactive Storytelling
Digital media can include these industries:
Entertainment
Technology
eCommerce
Non-Profit
Health
Education
Marketing and advertising
Government
Sports
Environment
Television
Publishing
Scholarships
There are many scholarship opportunities available to new and returning students of the Master of Digital Media program. More than 60% of incoming September 2014 students received a scholarship or other financial assistance.
[-]

DigiPen Institute of Technology

CampusPart time2 - 4 September 2017USARedmond

Geared toward professional artists and candidates with a bachelor's degree in art or a related field, this program blends fine arts principles, including a strong emphasis on figure drawing, sculpture
[+]

Geared toward professional artists and candidates with a bachelor's degree in art or a related field, this program blends fine arts principles, including a strong emphasis on figure drawing, sculpture, and art history, with a practical approach to studio art production that helps students develop both their personal skill and artistic voice.
Full-Time and Part-Time Options
Students have the option of enrolling in this program full-time for two years, or enrolling part-time and spreading their course load over four years.
Admissions Information
Applicants to the Master of Fine Arts in Digital Arts program should have experience in the following areas: drawing, figure drawing, art history, composition, 3D modeling, animation, sculpture, color theory, and digital painting. Candidates must also provide an art portfolio of 15 to 20 samples of artwork to be considered for admission.
Topics Covered
By the time they graduate, students in the MFA program will possess the following qualifications:
- Extensive 3D production experience, including the ability to use the most current 2D and 3D graphics applications in the industry, as well as traditional fine arts skills such as drawing, sculpting, and painting.
- A deep understanding of the creative process and the 3D graphics production pipeline, including the ability to manage projects from brainstorming to completion.
- Strong research skills, especially as they relate to art history, character design references, and anatomy.
- A specialization in modeling, sculpting, or character art, as well as a unique and highly developed personal voice as demonstrated by their thesis.
Career Outlook
Graduates of the MFA program will be qualified to pursue a range of entry- and intermediate-level roles in both art production and academia, including:
- 3D Modeler
- Animator
- Character Artist
- Technical Artist
- Texture Artist
- Senior Artist
- Senior Animator
- Senior Character Artist
- Professor of Fine Arts
[-]

University of St. Thomas

The Master in Liberal Arts degree at the University of St. Thomas is an interdisciplinary graduate degree that offers you choice, freedom and flexibility.
[+]

The Master in Liberal Arts degree is an interdisciplinary graduate degree that offers you choice, freedom and flexibility. Choose from 18 different areas of study to customize a degree program that fits your interests and goals.

Choice – Freedom – FlexibilityThe 36-credit-hour Master in Liberal Arts (MLA) program appeals to a diverse group of students who seek professional advancement, admission into doctoral programs or personal enrichment. We offer conveniently scheduled classes. Enhance your degree through study abroad and internship opportunities.

The Film Connection

Online & Campus CombinedOpen EnrolmentUSALos Angeles

Learn the ins and outs of filmmaking, on-the-job and on the set! With locations across the country, the Film Connection Film School can place you as an apprentice (extern) in an established film production company near where you live. You'll be paired with a seasoned film professional who will mentor you one-on-one on all the aspects of directing, producing, editing, cinematography and more. By learning on-the-job, you'll not only get the hands-on experience you need, but you'll also have the chance to make connections and form important working industry relationships you'd never be able to achieve in a classroom. We are the school that gives you the training, the job experience and the insider access you need in order to break into the business.
[+]

Learn the ins and outs of filmmaking, on-the-job and on the set! With locations across the country, the Film Connection Film School can place you as an apprentice (extern) in an established film production company near where you live. You'll be paired with a seasoned film professional who will mentor you one-on-one on all the aspects of directing, producing, editing, cinematography and more. By learning on-the-job, you'll not only get the hands-on experience you need, but you'll also have the chance to make connections and form important working industry relationships you'd never be able to achieve in a classroom. We are the school that gives you the training, the job experience and the insider access you need in order to break into the business.
TURN YOUR BEST MOVIE IDEA INTO A TREATMENT, PITCH OR SCREENPLAY!
Do you have a brilliant idea for a film or hit TV show, but you have no idea how to go about getting it made? If so, you've come to the right place!
With our revolutionary director/producer/screenwriting program, the Film Connection doesn't just teach you the rudiments of working in film—we teach you take your creative ideas and turn them into reality.
In addition to your local mentor who teaches you on the set, the Film Connection also pairs you with an established film screenwriter, director, or producer—someone with actual film credits, someone who's been part of movies you know and love. This industry legend will work one-on-one with you to help develop your best idea into a marketable treatment, pitch or screenplay—something you can use to get your foot in the door of Hollywood. This is a highly practical, highly effective approach that can only be accomplished via our mentor-apprentice (extern) learning approach, which is why it's something other film schools can't offer.
But there's more: once your film idea has been developed, the Film Connection will arrange for you to fly to Los Angeles to pitch the idea to a real Hollywood film executive—someone who can actually help you get the film or TV show made! This is an opportunity you won't find with any other film school.
The Film Connection is endorsed by some of the top names in the industry for one reason: our program works. We don't just teach you the techniques of filmmaking—we leverage our own connections to pair you with a credited filmmaker who can actually help you turn your movie idea into something that can actually get made.
THE FILM CONNECTION OFFERS A REVOLUTIONARY WAY FOR YOU TO LEARN FILMMAKING AND BREAK INTO THE INDUSTRY, WITHOUT SADDLING YOU WITH CRIPPLING STUDENT DEBT…
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN AS AN APPRENTICE (EXTERN) IN THE DIRECTING/PRODUCING PROGRAM:
DIRECTING/SHOOTING:
• Shot blocking
• Working with Actors
• Lighting
• Grip and Electric
• The Art of the Interview
• How to Make Your Day
WRITING:
• How to Pitch a Movie Professionally
• How to Develop an Idea
• How to Write a Treatment
• Screenwriting
PRODUCING:
o Budgeting
o Financing
o Deal Making
o Contracts, Permits, Licensing
ONLY AVAILABLE TO CANADIAN AND US CITIZENS!
[-]

SCAD - The Savannah College of Art and Design

CampusSeptember 2017USAAtlantaSavannah

Join the leagues of SCAD visual effects alumni, who have shared Academy Awards for their work on such phenomenal films as “Gravity,” “Life of Pi,” “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “The Great Gatsby.” At SCAD, we set you up for success with access to high-end, professional digital tools and top-of-the-line studios and equipment.
[+]

SCAD - The Savannah College of Art and Design

CampusSeptember 2017USASavannah

Pursue your career as a themed entertainment designer at the first and only university to offer an M.F.A. degree in this multibillion-dollar international business. We leverage a creative culture to give you access to related programs and work with professional partners on innovative concepts.
[+]

SCAD - The Savannah College of Art and Design

CampusSeptember 2017USASavannah

Pursue your passion for sound design at the first and only university to confer B.F.A., M.A. and M.F.A. degrees in the field. You will be immersed in a curriculum that models the workflow of professional media production, taking your work to the next level even before you graduate.
[+]

Best Part time Master's Degrees in Visual Arts in North America. The sound of success
Pursue your passion for sound design at the first and only university to confer B.F.A., M.A. and M.F.A. degrees in the field. You will be immersed in a curriculum that models the workflow of professional media production, taking your work to the next level even before you graduate. At SCAD, you'll also benefit from collaboration with peers in other film and digital media departments, working together to develop films, animation and video games.
M.A. in sound design
Available at: - Savannah
CINE 703 Research Methodology in Cinema Studies
SNDS 705 Production Mixing
SNDS 729 Theory and Practice in Sound Design
SNDS 730 Scoring to Picture
SNDS 734 ADR and Foley Mixing
SNDS 737 Game Audio Design*
SNDS 743 Postproduction Methodologies*
SNDS 749 Sound Design M.A. Final Project
— 700-level ARTH elective
— 500- to 700-level elective
Total course of study: 45 hours
M.F.A. in sound design
Available at: - Savannah
CINE 703 Research Methodology in Cinema Studies
SNDS 705 Production Mixing
SNDS 729 Theory and Practice in Sound Design
SNDS 730 Scoring to Picture
SNDS 734 ADR and Foley Mixing
SNDS 737 Game Audio Design*
SNDS 741 Sound Effects and Dialogue Editing
SNDS 743 Postproduction Methodologies*
SNDS 755 Sound Design M.F.A. Studio
SNDS 756 Sound Art and Installation
SNDS 761 Audio Signal Processing
SNDS 776 Surround Sound for Media
SNDS 779F Graduate Field Internship†
SNDS 779T Graduate Teaching Internship†
SNDS 790 Sound Design M.F.A. Thesis
— 700-level ARTH elective
— 500- to 700-level elective
— 500- to 700-level elective
— 500- to 700-level elective
— 500- to 700-level elective
Total course of study: 90 hours
Careers in sound design
Become a production mixer. Become a sound editor. Become an audio educator. SCAD sound design graduates have won Emmy and Golden Reel awards and worked on Oscar-winning films — in part, because these alumni studied with preeminent faculty members who have authored books on the subject and collaborated on films including “Reservoir Dogs,” “Die Hard,” “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” and “Ocean's Eleven,” and TV shows such as “Two and a Half Men” and “Futurama.”
Launch your career as a professional:
Production mixer
Sound editor
Game audio designer
Dialogue editor
Music editor
ADR and Foley mixer
Live theater sound designer and mixer
Audio editor for books on tape
And get recruited and hired by the best of the best:
Turner Broadcasting
Disney
Soundelux
NBC
Sony Games
Sony Pictures
Danetracks
Naughty Dog
Wildfire Studios
[-]

SCAD - The Savannah College of Art and Design

CampusSeptember 2017USAAtlanta

For SCAD sculpture students, inspiration is never far. Master your craft in one of the finest studios in American higher education, designed by architect Renzo Piano and located adjacent to the High Museum of Art in Atlanta. You can partner with leading brands and big names, creating memorable work in the public sphere, like the recent large-scale artwork SCAD students created for the Hyatt Atlanta Midtown.
[+]

Best Part time Master's Degrees in Visual Arts in North America. Shape fine art into your creative career
For SCAD sculpture students, inspiration is never far. Master your craft in one of the finest studios in American higher education, designed by architect Renzo Piano and located adjacent to the High Museum of Art in Atlanta. You can partner with leading brands and big names, creating memorable work in the public sphere, like the recent large-scale artwork SCAD students created for the Hyatt Atlanta Midtown. That work and more has been featured in prestigious media outlets including CNN and Wired — and now they're waiting to see what you'll do next.
M.A. in sculpture
Available at: - Atlanta
ARTH 701 Contemporary Art
SCPT 704 Sculptural Studio Processes
SCPT 713 Sculpture Studio I: Influences and Sources
SCPT 717 Sculpture Studio: Concept and Content
SCPT 723 Sculpture Studio II: Research and Discourse
SCPT 743 Sculpture Studio III: Production and Critique
SCPT 749 Sculpture M.A. Final Project
SFIN 716 Theory and Processes I: Critical Analysis
— 500- to 700-level elective
Total course of study: 45 hours
M.F.A. in sculpture
Available at: - Atlanta
ARTH 701 Contemporary Art
ARTH 702 Art Criticism
CLC 580 Collaboration*
SCPT 704 Sculptural Studio Processes
SCPT 713 Sculpture Studio I: Influences and Sources
SCPT 717 Sculpture Studio: Concept and Content
SCPT 723 Sculpture Studio II: Research and Discourse
SCPT 743 Sculpture Studio III: Production and Critique
SCPT 773 Sculpture Studio IV: Defining a Personal Style
SCPT 775 Sculpture Studio V: Developing Thesis and Exhibition
SCPT 779F Graduate Field Internship†
SCPT 779T Graduate Teaching Internship†
SCPT 779F Graduate Field Internship‡
SCPT 779T Graduate Teaching Internship‡
SCPT 790 Sculpture M.F.A. Thesis
SFIN 716 Theory and Processes I: Critical Analysis
SFIN 770 Fine Art M.F.A. Self-promotion
— 700-level PHOT, PNTG, PRMK or SCPT elective*
— 500- to 700-level elective
— 500- to 700-level elective
— 500- to 700-level elective
Total course of study: 90 hours
Careers in sculpture
Become a professional sculptor. Become an art consultant. Become an art studio manager. SCAD sculpture alumni work has been featured in prestigious media outlets including CNN and Wired. Students become fluent in every aspect of the profession, from working in an arts administration capacity on large public art projects to fine art casting, from serving on an architectural team to installation and props production.
Launch your career as a professional:
Art consultant
Art director
Art studio manager
Exhibition preparer
Foundry supervisor
Gallery owner or assistant
Motion picture sculptor/modeler
Museum services specialist
Studio sculptor
And get recruited and hired by the best of the best:
CNN
Corning Museum of Glass
Creative Loafing
High Museum of Art
Lamar Dodd School of Art
Main Street Stone Mountain
Sonic Generator
University of Georgia
Vermont Studio Center
[-]